On Epiphany Day, the Landais of Carcen-Ponson, Jérémy Lauilhé, Meilleur Ouvrier de France bartender 2023, who now resides in Rion-des-Landes, Boos district, was invited by Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, to taste the “republican pancake”.
An event which took place in the salons of the Élysée, with more than 200 guests, including the first lady, several ministers and starred chefs. “This year, the frangipane was prepared by Thierry Meunier, baker in Boulogne-Billancourt and his colleagues from the French bakery team,” explains Jérémy. It was 1.20 m in diameter and weighed more than 20 kilos. »
But why was the boss of the Bonbuvant company invited to this ceremony? The 27e session of the examination of the Best Workers of France, in which he participated, gave the 100e promotion. “The president wanted to honor us with a very beautiful speech, which highlighted the value of work to achieve excellence and the exemplarity that must be ours,” explained Jérémy Lauilhé.
Presidential pomp
The Landais was impressed by the splendor of the presidential palace, in which he had never set foot and could not hold back his tears when his tricolor collar attracted the president's attention. “After a long handshake, I was able to talk with him for a few minutes and describe my journey. I told him how proud I was to represent my native Landes. He encouraged me to continue passing on my skills and passion to future generations. For me, it was an incredible moment and I was overwhelmed by emotion,” smiles the mixologist again.
In fact, the Landais, with modest origins, was able to measure the progress made through work and sacrifice. “I thought of my children, of my partner who supported me and accompanied me in this beautiful moment under the gold of the Republic. As well as to all my family, in particular Maurice and Jeannot, my two grandfathers, who, up there, must be proud and smile to see a little Landais at the Élysée as Best Worker of France bartender 2023 thanks, among other things, to cocktails with Armagnac, an elixir that they loved to taste! »
The frangipane pancake measured 1.20 meters in diameter and weighed more than 20 kilos.
DR
